Ohio State AD Smith gets bonus-laden deal

Ohio State Buckeyes athletic director Gene Smith on the sidelines prior to the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Ohio Stadium.

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Every time an Ohio State athlete or team wins a national title — in track, swimming, fencing, rifle, pistol or any of 24 other non-revenue sports — athletic director Gene Smith will receive a bonus of $18,000 to $36,000 under terms of the new contract extension announced earlier this week.

Smith could earn more than $1.5 million a year in salary and bonuses under the pact that runs through June 2020.

If the Buckeyes football team plays in a major bowl game or the men’s or women’s basketball teams make it to the Final Four, Smith will receive four times his weekly base salary, or more than $72,000.

Smith also received the additional title of university vice president and has oversight of Ohio State’s facilities, marketing and branding.